'I learned how to manage it': Limerick woman shares her story to raise awareness this World COPD Day

AS WINTER approaches and respiratory infections begin to rise, a Limerick woman living with COPD is urging others not to ignore the warning signs

Teresa Madden who is based near Limerick City on the Clare/Limerick border was diagnosed with COPD in 2015. She has been an active member of her local COPD Support Ireland Patient Support and Exercise Group and advocates for the ongoing improvement of access to COPD services.

She is also a member of SingStrong, a community-based initiative aimed at improving the health and quality of life for individuals with COPD through singing and breathing classes. 

Commenting on her diagnosis, Teresa said: “When I was first diagnosed with COPD, I didn’t really understand what it would mean for my life. But with the right support and information, I learned how to manage it and keep doing the things I love. Support and exercise groups and initiatives like SingStrong have made such a difference.”

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COPD affects an estimated 380,000 people in Ireland, yet as many as 270,000 of these may remain undiagnosed. COPD is an umbrella term for a group of lung diseases that cause breathing difficulties. These include emphysema, which causes damage to the air sacs in the lungs, and chronic bronchitis which gives rise to inflammation of the airways.

In COPD, there is a difficulty with air moving out of the lungs efficiently when breathing out, causing a person to feel breathless. Other symptoms include cough, with or without phlegm. While COPD is not curable, it is treatable, allowing people to have the best possible quality of life

As Ireland heads into winter, COPD Support Ireland is urging everyone to get vaccinated against flu, Covid-19 and pneumonia, and to take steps to protect their respiratory health. The call comes today on World COPD Day 2025, as a new survey highlights the experiences of people with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in Ireland.

A new survey reveals that, in 75% of people, shortness of breath is the main symptom leading to them seeking medical advice and a diagnosis of COPD. Over 83% of patients are satisfied with their care during diagnosis, with nearly 60% saying their overall COPD care has improved compared to five years ago. However, the findings also reveal that almost six in 10 people still lack a personalised care plan.  

COPD Support Ireland is calling for continued support of the HSE’s national Integrated Model of Care for COPD, as this has been a key driver of improved COPD care in Ireland over the past five years, enabling better connected health services for people with COPD across the country. 

Dr Stanley Miller, Consultant Respiratory Physician at Mater Misericordiae University Hospital and Chair of COPD Support Ireland, said: “Every winter, people living with COPD and other lung conditions are at increased risk from infections like flu, pneumonia and Covid-19. Getting vaccinated is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect yourself and those around you. Early diagnosis and prevention are key for COPD. If you have a persistent cough or breathlessness, don’t ignore it. Talk to your GP."

"COPD Support Ireland’s recent patient survey tells us that many people living with COPD feel their care has improved over the last five years which is very encouraging. This coincides with the roll-out of the HSE’s national integrated model of care for COPD and the vision of Sláintecare, “Right Care. Right place. Right Time”. In addition, COPD Support Ireland now provides 60 Patient Support and Exercise Groups around the country which are funded by the HSE.” 

The survey also highlighted the real-world challenges faced by people living with COPD, particularly as winter approaches. Most respondents (78%) are aged 65 or older and many reported needing help with everyday activities such as cooking, shopping or cleaning. Confidence in leaving the home varied, with some expressing anxiety about breathlessness, respiratory infections and mobility difficulties. 

The rising cost of living is another concern, with 56% reporting that it has affected them in some way. Heating costs are the single biggest issue, with some respondents having to prioritise food and medication over keeping their homes warm. These findings underline the need for continued support for vulnerable patients, particularly during the colder months.

Joan Johnston, General Manager of COPD Support Ireland added: “Our mission at COPD Support Ireland is to make sure that everyone living with COPD is informed and supported. Through our national network of support and exercise groups, we see the difference that connection and shared experience make. It is encouraging to see from our recent patient survey that satisfaction with COPD care in Ireland is improving, and that things are going in the right direction to ensure equal access to COPD services for all.”